Machine for separating and gathering sheets of paper



Dec. 1924- 2 1,520,022

s. c. GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR SEPARATING AND GATHERING SHEETS 0F PA PER Filed'Oct. 9, 1922 s Sheets-Sheet 1' I w R fie 23, 1924.

7 5- C. GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR SEPARATING AND GATHERING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed Oct. 9, 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 S. C. GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR SEPARATING AND GATHERING SHEETS OF PAPER Dec.

Dec. 3. 9 4- 1,520,022

' $.C.GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR SEPARATING AND GATKERING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed 9 I as t I v a wig w g I 7 2172 66:

Dec. 1924- 1,520,022

s. c. GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR SEPARATING AND GATHERING SHEETS OF PAPER Filed 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 II I 1 l MINI H n I IIWM W II II Dec. 23. 1924. 1,520,022

S. C. GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR S EPARATING AND GATHERING SHEET S OF PAPER Filed Oct. 9. 19,22 8 Sheets-Spat 6 (II/i Dec. 2 1,520,022

5. c. GRUNLEE MACHINE FOR SEPARATING AND GATHERING SHEETS PAPER I Filed on. 9. 1922 s Sheets-Sheet 7 ZZZ/@653 /M/ m Patented Dec. 23, 1924.

warren states SIGWALD o. o UNLnE',

PAT

or onroaeo, ILLINOIS.

Fries Application filed October 9, 1922. Serial No. 593,332:

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, SIGWALD C. .GRUNLEE,

a citizen ofthe United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented Improve-- ments in Machines for Separating and Gathering Sheets of Paper, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to machines for separating and gathering sheets of paper, either single sheets or a plurality of sheets, and relates particularly to machines for the purpose specified in which .the paper is fed from the bottom of a pack contained in a magazine or pack-box.

For purposes of definite and concrete illustrations, I have, in the drawings, shown my invention and improvements as embodied in a machine particularly. designed and especially adapted for separating and gathering signatures in book binding. The particular application shown, however, is illustrative merely and in no sense restrictive. Among other contemplated uses to which my improved machine may readily be adapted, is for feeding single sheets of paper to folding machines, wrapping machines, printing presses etc.

As is generally well known to persons familiar with paper separation and feeding, in present machines .for the purpose in which the sheets or units are fed from the bottom of a packeither singly or a numher at a time, and either fiat or foldedthe universal practice so far as I am aware, is to effect separation of the different units by means ofv pneumatic or suction devices applied to the bottom unit, and feeding is effected bywithdrawing the bottom unit by means of suitable gripping and pulling devices, against the frictional resistance of the superposed pack, such resistance varying with the size of the pack, being at maximum when the magazine or pack-box is full and decreasing with the size of the pack.

This construction and method of opera tion is very objectionable .for various reasons, principal among which is that the resistance to the withdrawal of the paper frequently results in tearing the paper or, if not sutlieient to tear the paper, produces imperfect feeding, necessitating stopping of the machines--which are usually equipped with automatic stop mechanisms interrupting operation and correspondingly limiting Capacity At the same time, in ordertorender op eration of the machine continuous, it ,isdesir-able to retain the, feature .of'feedingffrom the bottom of the pack, whereby the'magazine or pack-box may be refilled during-0peration, by depositing additional units into the niagazine or pack-boX on top of the-pack contained therein at a given time. Y The principal object of the present invention is, therefore, to ,providea'machinefor the purposespecitied, constructed and, arranged for feeding the units from thebottom of the pack,,but without resistances frictional or otherwise-due to the weight of the pack contained. in themagazineilor pack-box, thus effectually, preventingQtearing ofthe units; imperfect feedingrland stopping of the machine, with theldelays' and decreased capacity incident thereto.

A further object of the invention is to improve and simplify certain-features of machines for feeding book 'signaturesaembodying separating-andgathering means of my invention. 5

To effect the objects which I have in View, a machine embodying: my invention and im: provements comprises. the various features, combination of'features and details of construction hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, in which my invention is'fully illustrated 5 Figure l is a sectional elevation of my improved separating and gathering vmachine, taken between two units, showing the power unit and the near side of ,theseparator unit removed. I

Figure 2uis a side elevation of iny improved machine showing the separator device at opposite limits of their movement,

in full and dotted lines, respectively.

Figure 3 is a rear view of .the'machinc with the gathering mechanismremoved.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of=then1achine.

Figure 5 is a sectional top plan view, the

section bein taken on .thc linef55 of Fig. 1. a I

Figure (5 is an enlarged sideviewof one of the suction heads of the machine. Figure 7 is a View from the leftside of Fig. 6.

Figure 8 is a top plan view thereof.

Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views on the lines 99 and 1010 of Figs. 7 and 6, respectively.

Figure 11 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale, of the rack or grid forming the bottom of the pack boX, together with associated supporting parts.

Figure 12 is a sectional side view on the line 1212 of Fig. 11.

Figure 13 is a sectional side view on the line 1313 of Fig. 11.

Figure 14 is a sectional view on the line 1f14t of Fig. 12.

Figure 15 is an enlarged top plan View of the automatic starting, stopping and tripping mechanism of the machine.

Figure 16 is a front elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 15.

Figure 17 is an end view from the left side of Fig. 16.

Figure 18 is a detached side View of the lock mechanism forming part of the autoinatic trip device from the position l8--18 of Fig. 16.

Figure 19 is a detached, fragmentary, sectional view on the line l9 l9 of Fig. 3.

Figure 20 is a sectional view on the line 202O of Fig. 19.

Figure 21 is an enlarged side view of the feed and caliper rolls together with the means "for driving the same.

As is well known to persons familiar with the art of book binding, machines for separating and gathering signatures, comprise a plurality of units all of which are duplicates one of another, and are mounted upon a common frame and are actuated from a common shaft which has driving connection with a source of power.

Inthe drawings, the main frame of the machine upon which the different separating and gathering units are mounted, comprises a bed portion A, which is supported upon upright supports or standards A the bases of which rest upon the floor or other support,-the line of which is indicated at a.

As shown, the top of the bed A is flat and said bed is reinforced and strengthened by marginal flanges (t comprising sections which extend downwardly and inwardly, respectively, and by intermediate longitudinal and transverse webs a a.

Also, the bed A of the machine preferably comprises separate sections, each of suitable lengthsay five feet t-o accommodate several separating and gathering units, designated as a whole B, said sections being bolted or otherwise connected together end to end, thus providing for increasing the length and capacity of the machine at any time, if desired.

The operative parts of each separating and gathering unit B are mounted upon a suitable frame comprising side frame members B B the bases or bottom edges of which are bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to the bed plate A of the main frame of the machine in proper position.

The entire machine, including all of the separating and gathering units Bwhether one or many are driven from a common power unit, which for purposes of convenient and definite reference and description, particularly as regards the operation of the machine as a whole and of the different units thereof, will now be described.

Said common power unit is preferably mounted substantially at the. longitudinal center of the machine, the different elements thereof being mounted upon a base plate C, preferably made of cast iron, bolted or otherwise secured to the bases of the stand ards A of the main frame of the machine.

Said power unit comprises shafts D, D D which are continuous from end to end of the machine, holes 03 being cored in the webs of the standards A of the frame through which said shafts extend, the shaft 1) being mounted in bearings formed in standards D secured to the base plate C and in brackets d bolted to the webs of the frame standards A the shaft D being mounted in standards 'D* secured to the base plate C, and to brackets (Z bolted to the webs of the main frame standards A and the shaft D being mounted in bearings formed in brackets d formed on the standards 1) and in brackets d bolted to the webs of the standards A In operation, the shaft Dwhich may be designated the main driving shaft of the machineis rotated continuously in the direc tion indicated by the arrow, Fig. 1, by suitable driving connection with a source of power, not shown, said driving connection comprising a counter-shaft d, mounted in bearings in brackets on the base plate C, tight and loose pulleys (Z (Z on said countershaft adapted to be connected with the source of power by a belt applied thereto, not shown, a belt shifter d, a worm transmission, designated as a whole E, comprising a worm shaft 0, which forms an extension of the counter-shaft d, a worm e secured to rotate therewith, and a worm gear 6 secured to rotate with a shaft 3, said worm transmission E, being enclosed in a suitable housing E provided with bearings for the shafts e, 0 the main driving shaft D being driven directly from the shaft c by means of spur gears 6, 6 secured to the shafts c and 1), respectively.

Oscillatory movement is adapted to be imparted to the shaft D from the shaft (2 in the following manner :Rotatably mounted in a suitable bearing in a bearing standard F in alignment with the shaft 6 is a shaft said shafts e and f being connected by a suitable coupling consisting, as shown, of disks f secured to said shafts. respectively.v and which are adapted to be bolted or otherloo wise rigidly connected to each other so that said shaft 7 will form, in effect, an extension of the shaft 0 The shaft 7 is connected to the shaft 1) by means of a connecting rod f which connects the crank pin f of a crank disk F 3 secured to said shaft f, with the end of an arm F secured to rotate with the shaft D Said arm F is preferably clamped to the shaft D so as to be angularly adjustable thereon, and to provide for vary ing the operative length of the connecting rod 7, said connecting rod preferably comprises separate .sections connected by means of a turn-buckle, in a familiarmanner.

In the preferable construction shown, the shaft 6 to which the worm gear 6 is secured, is positioned above the lower end of the arm F secured to the shaft D and the connecting rod 7' is made as short as practicable without causing interference between the lower end of said arm and the crank disk F By this relation a relatively slow movement will be imparted to the suction heads 16, 16 during the process of separating and withdrawing the blanks from the magazine or pack-box H ,presently described; while said suction heads will be.}'e turned to their frontward position with a relatively fast movement. This operation results from the fact that when'the arm F is in position corresponding to the extreme rearward position of the suction heads, the connecting rod 7' will be in the position a3y, Fig. 2 whereas, when said suction heads are at the extreme frontward limit of the movement, said connecting rod will be in the position w g Fig. 2. vOr, with the crank disk F 3 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow, the movement of the suction heads from rearward to frontward position will occupy the time that tile crank pin f is passing through the short are defined by the lines .ri ac y or about 150 degrees; while the movement of said suction heads from frontward to rearward positions will occur while the crank pin 1s traversing the long are defined by said linesor about 910 degrees. Obviously, this particular re lation admits of variation within considerable limits.

Oscillating or rocking movement is also adapted to be imparted to the shaft D from the main driving shaft D by means of a cam G secured to the shaft D which impinges against a stud g on an arm ,0 secured to the shaft D an anti-friction roller being preferably mounted on said stud.

I do not, however, desire to limit myself to the particular drive mechanism shown, as other forms of drive may readily be devised by skilled mechanics, and my invention conten'iplates the use of any form of drive suitable for the purpose.

As previously stated, the different separating and gathering units B are duplicates one of another, and a descriptionof one thereof will, therefore, sufiice for all. bAccordingly, only one separating and gathering unit is shown in the drawingsand the description thereof will be in the singular.

In accordance with usual practice, the pack of signatures designated H, is contained in a magazine, commonly lillOWlLiLS a pack-box, designated as a whole H consistin g as shown, of angle bars h sec urei upright position to the side frame members B B of tube separatingand gathering unit 13, in proper relative positions to define a magazine or pack-box of desiredshapeand size. As shown, said angles h are arranged toform a substantially square or rectangular magazine or pack-box and are secured in position by means of clamping bolts h which extend through holes formed in lugs h? on said angles, the heads of said clamping bolts engaging T-slots 7L formed in bars h the ends of which rest upon and are rigidly secured to the upper edges of the side frame members B B thus providing for adjusting the transverse. dimension of the magazine.

Preferably, also, the angle bars h are supported so as to be adjustable from front ,to back of the unit B, adjustment of the front angle bars being within narrow limits, to provide for engaging the suction heads 16 presently describedwith the front edges of the signatures or other blanks contained in the magazine or pack-box .H at slightly greater or less distance from their front edge-s, while the capacity for adjustmentof the rear angle bars is much greater to provide for adjusting the size of the magazine or packbox H for signatures or blanks of different sizes.

As shown, this is effected in the following manner :Rivetedor otherwise secured to" the bars h -to which the angle bars h are clamped, are plates k formed in which are slots h inserted through which are clamping screws h threaded into holes formed in the upper edges of the frame members B 13 the rear clamping screws if being interchangeable in a plurality of holes formed, in the upper edges of said frame members, thus providing a relatively large capacity for adjustment of the rear angle bars h, in the manner desired. i

With the described construction it is obvious that adjustment of the front angle bars it will be limited by the length of the slots h, while that of the rearangle bars willbe equal to the distance between the extreme holes for the clamping screws 72, plus the length of the slots k With the construction described, the slots 7L6 provide means for fine adjustments while the series of holes in which the rear clamping screws are interchangeable .will provide for coarse adjustment of said angle bars.

The top of the magazine or pack-box formed by the angles h is open and the bottom thereof is closed by means of what may be described as a rack or grid 1, which is supported on the side frame members B B so as to be movable endwise.

As shown, said rack or grid I consists of side bars 1, 1 which are rigidly connected by transverse bars 2 secured to the lower edges thereof by screws or other suitable means. Rotatably mounted in bearings formed in the side frame bars 1, 1 are shafts 3, the ends of which project beyond the outer sides of said side bars and rotatably mounted on the projecting ends of which are rollers 4 which run in grooves 5 formed in the inner sides of the frame members B B Said rack or grid also comprises bars 6, 6 supported between the side bars 1, 1 the bars 6 being arranged at the front end of the grid and the bars 6 at the rear end thereof. Said bars 6, 6 are rigidly connected to the side cross bars- 2 in the same manner as the side bars 1, 1 thus rigidly connecting said bars 6, 6 to each other and also to the side frame bars 1, 1 Said bars 6, 6 are also provided with holes or openings 7 through which the shafts 3 extend, said holes be ing of such size that said shafts will turn freely therein.

Rotatably mounted on the shafts 8 between the intermediate bars 6, 6 are rollers 8, the shaft bearings 9 in ,said rollers being fitted to the shafts 3 so that said rollers will turn freely thereon. Said rollers 8 will preferably be made of vulcanized fibre, hard rubber or similar material, though my invention contemplates making them of any desired material.

The lower ends of the angle bars h which form the magazine or pack-boX H extend into close proximity to the top sides of the rollers 8, the relation being preferably such that, as reciprocating movement is imparted to the rack or grid I in the operation of the machine, as presently described, the rollers 8 will just clear the lower end of said angle bars 72/.

As shown, the bars 6, 6 are arranged so that bars of each series will be in alignment with each other. The aggregate lengths of the bars 6, 6 is less than the overall length of the rack or grid I, and said bars are so positioned that spaces or openings 10 are formed between the adjacent ends of aligned bars, through which the blanks are witlr drawn from the magazine H in the operation of the machine, and to prevent said bars from catching in and tearing the blanks sheets of paper or signaturescontained in the magazine H the top edges of said bars 6. 6 are beveled or rounded at both their front and rear ends, as shown at 11. Also, in order that the surface of the suction heads, presently described, may run in close proximity to the rear rollers 8 of the section of the grid I formed by the front bars 6, the lower edges of the rear ends of said bars are upwardly and rearwardly beveled, as shown at 12.

lVith the described construction, it is obvious that the pack H contained in the magazine H will rest directly upon the rollers 8 of the rack or grid I and that said rack or grid will be supported so as to be freely movable endwise beneath the magazine H said rack or grid being made of such greater length than said magazine that it will close the bottom of said magazine in all positions.

In operation, reciprocating movement is adapted to be imparted to the rack or grid 1 in the manner presently described.

In accordance with my invention, the separation of the sheets is effected in the following manner :-Mounted to turn freely in bearings formed in journal blocks 14 is a hollow shaft 15, secured to which, so as to rotate therewith are heads 16, 16 the head 16 being secured in fixed relation centrally beneath the magazine H and the rack or grid 1, and the heads 16 being positioned one on each side of the central head 16 and being secured to the shaft 15 so as to be ad just-able towards and from said central head, so as to adapt the machine to operate on stocks of different width.

Excepting as-regards minor details, to be presently described, the heads 16, 16 are duplicates one of another, said heads co1n prising surfaces 17 which form segments of cylinders and being provided with chambers 18 which are adapted to be connected with the bore of the hollow shaft 15, to which a suction pump is applied in the man ner presently described. Said heads also comprise hubs 19, formed in which are holes 20 adapted to receive the shaft 15, said heads being secured to said shaft so as to rotate therewith bysuitable means, as set screws 21. As shown, the central head 16 is provided with a hole 22 which communicates directly with av hole 23 formed in said shaft and which communicates with the bore thereof. But to provide for adjustment of the heads 16 without cutting off communication of the chambers 18 in said heads with the bore of the shaft 15, the suction chambers of said heads are connected directly with the suction chamber 18 of the head 16. Preferable means for this purpose comprise a T 24 secured in a hole in the head 16 which communicates with the head of the suction chamber 18 thereof, and nipples 25 secured in corresponding holes in the heads 16 which communicate with the suction chambers 18 thereof. and rubber or other flexible hose 26 which connect said T and nipples.

The journal'- boxesld areslidably fitted to bearingsrZT formed in the side frame members B B of the unit frame and forme'don: said boxes are upward extensions 28, theupper ends of which engage notches 29 formed in the under. sides of the side frame bars 1, 1 of the rack or grid 1.

In the operation of the machine, reciproeating movement is imparted to the shaft 15,.

the journal boxes 1 1 therefor, and through the upward extensions of said boxes, to the rack or grid 1; means, rendered operative by the reciprocating movement of said shaft, being also provided for simultaneously imparting angular oscillatory movement to said shaft, and to the suction heads 16, 16 about theaxis. of the shaft. .As shown, the means vforimparting reciprocating move ment toisaid shaft, journal boxes and grid consist of arms 34 secured to the rock shaft D outside vofthe frame members B E the upper ends of which are connected directly to the-shaft 15 by links 35 pivoted to said arms at one end and to said shaft at the other. Also, as shown, the means for imparting-oscillatingmovement to said shaft 15 and to the heads 16, 16 consist of segmental gears 86 secured to the shaft 15, the teeth .of which intermesh with racks 3T formed'on-rack bars 38 secured in grooves 39 formed in the unit frame members B B The radius'of the cylindrical surfaces 17 of the suction heads 16, 16 is such that said surfaces extend flush with the top sic es of the pack supportingrollers 8, in which relation the cylindrical surfaces of said suction heads will runin contact with the under side of the bottom signatures or other sheet of the pack H, contained in the magazine or pack-boxH through the space or opening10.

The suction heads16, 16 are secured to the hollow shaft '15. in such relation that, when at the limits O'fatllfill movement front wards and backwards, they will be in the positions-shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, their extreme positions frontwards and rearwards being shown in full and dotted lines, respectively.

Adjacent to .the ends of the cylindrical surfaces .17 ,of the suction heads 16. 16 whichare uppermost when the suction heads are at the. frontward limit ofhtheir movement,.said headsare provided with perforations 40 which communicate with the suction chamber 18 thereof, the relation being such that said perforations will be covered by the bottom signature or other sheet of the pack H when said heads are at the frontward limit of their movement, whereby the suction exerted by said perforations will cause the front edges of said blanks to adhere to the suction heads, and oscillation of said suctionheads will perate o W t d aw the bottom blank of the pack H from the.

magazine .H through the space, or opening! 10, as said heads execute their oscillating movement to their extreme rearward positi one. A blank, when being withdrawn from the magazine H will have no engagement with the suction heads 16, 16? excepting at.

the perforations 40, and will merely lieloosefall by gravity onto a table 11 supported on the bed portion A of the main frame of the machine by means of uprights or standards;.,--. so

4'2 and from which they will bewithdrawn by feed rolls and deliveredto the gathering n'iechanism of the machine, as fully hereinafter described.

A partial vacuum, which will produce a. suction 1n the p1pe15 and m. the chambers- 18 of the suctionheads 16, 16 suliicient, to

cause the blanks to adhere to the perfora tions 40, is adapted to becreated and maintained by means of a suitablepump,indi,

cated at 13, mounted on the base plate C, the

of the pipe 15. Also, in order to release the blanks from the suctionheads 16, 16 ,.at1the, time said blanks are, deliveredto the feed.

rolls, means are provided forbreakingthe suction of said pump and for venting they a, suction pipe 15and the chambers 18 vof the suction heads 16, 16

As shown, the meansvfor connecting the pipe 15 with the pump 13. and for breaking the suction ofsaid pump andventingisaid shaft and-suction heads, consists of a fitting 44 provided with a bearing fittedto the ex-v terior of the pipe 15 and confined in position thereon between collars 45 secured. to said shaft, formed inwhich is av chamber l6. which is in open communication with the shaft bearing in said fitting and with which a hole or opening 47 formed in the shaft 15 1s adapted:tocommunicate during the entire treme rearward position,.sh,own in full lines Fig. 1, the relation being such that just be, fore the suction heads .reach the. rearward limit of their movement, said hole 47 will pass out of communication with the cham-j ber 46 and will be brought into communicae tion with a vent opening 48, formed through 4 the wall of. the fitting 44.

suction end of which is connected. to the bore Formedron the fitting 4:4 is a boss 49 ,pro-

vided with a hole which communicates with the chamber-d6 J11 said fitting and secured in said hole is a pipe 50 which extendsdown wardly and the lower end ofwhich is fconnected to the suction end of the pump To provide for reciprocating moyementof the hollow shaft 15, the shaft50 preferably 0. oscillatorymovement of said shaft excepting only when the suction heads are in their excomprises separate sections 50 of which the section 50 is fitted to and adapted to telescope with the bore of the section 50 To avoid interference with other parts of the machine, the fitting ett and pipe 50 are positioned beyond the end of the machine, while the pump +13 is preferably mounted on the base plate C adjacent to the longitudinal centerof the main frame of the machine. The lower end of the pipe section 50 is connected with the suction end of the pump by a lateral extension 50 of said pipe, the pipe sections 50 and 50 being connected by a swivel connection indicated at 50 Also, if found necessary to provide and maintain sufiicient suction in the suction heads, my invention contemplates the use of duplicate suction connections between the pump 13 and the pipe 15 at both ends of the machine.

lVith the described construction, it is ob vious that a partial vacuum will be maintained in the suction heads 16, 16 at all times in the operation of the machine, excepting only as said suction heads approach their extreme rearward positions, at which time the hole 47 in the shaft 15 will pass out of communication with the chamber e16 in the fitting 44c and will be brought into communication with the vent opening 18 in said fitting, thus venting the suction heads 16, 16 and releasing the blanks from said suction heads and permitting them to be delivered by the feed rolls from the table 34, onto which they are delivered by said suction heads, to the gathering mechanism, as will now be described. Said feed rolls comprise two sets of rolls each consisting of upper rolls 51 and lower rolls The upper feed rolls 51 of each set are secured to shafts 53 and 5 1 rotatably mounted in suitable bearings in the side frames B B of the separating unit B. The lower feed rolls comprise a front set which are secured to a shaft 55 rotatably mounted in journal boxes 56 slidably fitted to slots 57 formed in bear ing standard-s58 secured to the bed plate A of the main frame of the machine. To permit the feed rolls of each unit to accommodate themselves to the thickness of the natures or other blanks to be fed thereby, which may vary, separate shafts 55 are pro- Vided for each unit, said shafts being maintained at the upper limit of their movement corresponding to contact of the feed rolls 52 thereon with the front set 'of feed rolls 51, by springs 59 inserted between the under .sides of the journal boxes 56 and the bottoms of the slots 57 to which said journal boxes are fitted.

The lower feed rolls 52 also comprise a rear set of feed rolls which are rotatably mounted on studs 60 secured in the outer ends of arms 61, formed in the inner ends of are bearings fitted to turn freely on a shaft 62 secured in fixed bearings in the side frame members B B of the gathering unit B.

The rear set of lower feed rolls 52 is held yieldingly in contact with the opposed up per feed rolls by springs 63 inserted between the outer ends of the arms 61 and the bed plate A of the main frame of the machine. Also, to provide necessary traction of the feed rolls with the blanks to be fed, all of the lower feed rolls 52 are provided with rubber treads 6%.

Separate shafts 53, 54 and 62 are preferably provided for each separating unit B.

Both sets of upper feed rolls 51 and the front set of lower feed rolls 52 are positively driven from the main driving shaft D of the machine in the following manner Secured to the shafts 53, 5 1 and 55 respectively, so as to rotate therewith are gears 65, 66 and 67, the gears and 67 meshing directly with each other while the gears 65 and 66 mesh with an intermediate gear 68 secured to a shaft 69 mounted in hearings in the frame members B B and which is continuous from end to end of the machine. The gear 68 is positively driven from the shaft D by means of a gear 68 secured to the shaft 69, which meshes with a gear 68 secured to the hub of a sprocket wheel 70 rotatably mounted on a stud 70 secured in a standard 70 on the extreme end of the bed plate A of the main frame of the ma chine. The sprocket wheel 70 is driven from the shaft 1) by means of a chain belt 71 adjusted to said sprocket wheel 70 and to a sprocket wheel 72 secured to the shaft D. A simple and preferable construction consists in positioning the sprocket wheels 70 and T2 and operating parts directly associated therewith beyond the end of the bed plate A of the main frame of the machine. The use of the gear 68 is necessary to secure rotation of the feed rolls 51 and 52 in the proper direction.

The gearing connecting the driving shaft 1) with the shaft 69 affords convenient means for speeding up the feed rolls to .insure delivery of signatures or other blanks into the gathering chute J within the time limited, so that they will clear the arms 96 of the gathering mechanism and whereby, also, impact of said signatures or other blanks with the outer side wall '76 of the gathering chute J, will jog the blanks of each pack K.

The rear set of lower feed rolls 52 are friction driven by contact with the rear set of upper feed rolls 51, or with the blanks as they are fed between. said feed rolls.

The gathering mechanism of the machine is supported upon brackets 73 secured to the rear side of the main frame of the machine. and comprises what may be referred to as a chute. designated as a Whole J, comprisllU to which is an arm 106 which is connected with an arm 107 applied to the belt shifter cl by a rod 108. As shown, said rod 108 comprises sections 108 108 the adjacent ends of which are pivoted to studs secured in a sleeve or collar 108 rotatably mounted on the shaft D Applied to the shaft is a spring 109 adapted to maintain said shaft and belt shifter (Z in positions corresponding to engagement of the driving belt with the loose pulley (Z means being also provided for relieving said shaft 105 from the tension of the spring 109 and for shifting the driving belt from the loose to the tight pulley, when it is desired to operate the machine.

As shown, the means for applying said spring 109 to said shaft 105 and for relieving said shaft from the tension of said spring are as follows :-Pivoted upon the shaft 105 is a lever 110, one end of the spring 109 being secured to the hub of said lever and its opposite end to the adjacent bearing bracket 104, and said lever 110 having operative engagement with the shaft 105 by means of pins 111 and 112 secured in said lever and shaft, respectively, the relation being such that pivoted movement of the lever 110 to retract the pin 111 secured therein from the pin 112 secured in the shaft 105 will relieve said sh aft 105 from the tension of the spring 109 and will permit movement of said shaft in a direction to shift the driving belt from the loose pulley (Z to the tight pulley (1 In accordance with my invention, also, means are provided for locking the lever 110 in position to relieve the shaft 105 from the tension of the spring 109. As shown, said locking means or mechanism consists of an arm 113 secured to a shaft 114 mounted in brackets 11.5 forming extensions of the brackets 104, a projection 116 on the free end of which is adapted to engage a shoulder 117 formed on a fin 118 on the lever 110, said projection 116 preferably consisting of a stud secured in the said lever arm and an anti-friction roller mounted on said. stud. Said shaft 11.4 will preferably be maintained yieldingly in position corresponding to engagement of said projection 116 with the shoulder 117 on the lever 110 by a spring 119 applied thereto. As shown, said spring is a coiled spring which surrounds the shaft 114, one end of which is connected to one of the brackets and the other to a collar 120 secured to said shaft, preferably by a set screw so as to provide for adjusting the tension of said spring.

When the shaft 105 is relieved from the tension of the spring 109, movement is adapted to be imparted to the belt shifter to shift the driving belt to the tight pulley by a spring applied thereto, thus starting the machine. As shown, said spring consists of a coiled spring 121 which surrounds the shaft 105, opposite ends of which are secured respectively, to a collar 122 on said shaft 105 and to the adjacent bearing bracket 104, said collar 122 being preferably secured to the shaft by means of a set screw, thus providing for adjusting the tension of the spring 121.

As previously stated, in the contemplated operation of the machine, the spring 109, when released, is designed to turn the shaft 105 so that, through the arm 106, the rod 108 and the belt shifter 03 the driving belt will be shifted from the tight pulley (Z to the loose pulley (Z this stopping the machine. With the construction desciibed, it is obvious that, to render said spring 109 effective for its designed purpose, it will be necessary that said spring shall be sufficiently strong to overcome the tension of the spring 121, to de press the weight of the connecting rod 108 and to overcome the friction of the various operative parts of the belt shifting mechanism.

To start the machine, it is merely necessary to turn the lever 110 into the position shown in Fig. 1 to effect engagement of the projection 116 on the arm 113 with the shoulder 117 on the fin 118 on said lever, thus imparting movement to the belt shifter (Z to shift the belt from the loose pulley (Z to the tight pulley CF, and, to stop the machine, it is merely necessary to disengage the projection 116 from the shoulder 117, permitting the spring 109 to turn the lever 110 I into the position shown in Fig. 2 and, through the pins 111, 112, turning the shaft 105 in the direction to shift the pulley from the tight pulley to the loose pulley.

My improved machine also comprises an automatic trip mechanism, the construction and operation of which is as follows:

Secured to the shaft 114, so as to turn therewith is a trip lever, designated as a whole L, comprising a fined arm 123 pinned or otherwise rigidly secured thereto, and a member 124 attached to the under side of said fixed member so as to be adjustable endwise thereof. Formed on the outer end of said adjustable member 124 are flanges 1 125 which embrace the sides of the fixed member 123, secured to the top edges of which is a strap 126 which extends over the top of said fixed member. The opposite end of said adjustable member 124 is adapted to be secured to the fixed member 123 by a clamping screw 127 which extends through a slot 128 formed therein and has screw threaded engagement with a hole formed in said fixed member 123. Adjustment of the member 124 endwise of the fixed member 123 is adapted to be effected by means of an adjusting screw 129 which has screw threaded engagement with a hole formed in the end of the fixed member 123 and which (ill mounted to turn freely in a slot 130 formed in an upwardly extending lug or projection 131 formed on the inner end of said adjustable member 124, said adjusting screw being secured against endwise movement relative to said adjustable member by flanges 132 thereon, which are adapted to embrace opposite sides of said lug or projection 131.

(lo-operating with the trip lever L is a push-bar 133, rigidly secured to the upper end of which is a forked plate 134 the forked ends 135 of which are adapted to play through holes 136 formed in the flanges 125 on the adjustable member 124 of the trip lever.

The push-bar 133 is mounted so as to admit of limit endwise movement by means of roller studs 137 and 138 which extend through slots 139 and 140 formed in the lower end of said push-bar.

The stud 137 is secured in the adjacent side frame of the separating unit B and the stud 138 is secured in the outer end of an arm 141 secured to theshaft 62. To vprovide for adjusting the angular position of vthe lever arm 141 on the shaft 62, said lever arm is preferably clamped to said shaft by means of a clamping screw 142, the shaft bearing in said lever being preferably slotted as shown at 142 to permit said bearing to be compressed upon the shaft 62.

Reciprocating movement is adapted to be imparted to the push-bar 133 by means of a link 143 pivotally connected to the lower end of said push-bar and to the outer end of the rock-arm g lVith the construction described, it is obvious that at each revolution of the shaft D, the cam G on said shaft, through the rollerstud g on the arm will operate to impart oscillatory movement to the arm 9 which, through the link 143 will impart reciprocating movement to the push-bar 133, in the.

manner desired.

My improved automatic stop mechanism also comprises caliper rolls 144 and 145, of which the roll 144 is secured to the shaft 54 so as to rotate therewith and the roll 145 is n'iounted at the outer end of an arm 146 secured to rotate with the shaft 62, preferably in such manner as to be angularly adjustable thereon. As shown, the shaft bearing in said brackets 146 is split and said arm is adapted to be clamped to said shaft by means of a clamping screw, in a familiar manner.

W' ith the described construction, it is obvious that as signatures and other blanks are delivered from the table 41 to the gathering chute J, they will passbetween the caliper rolls 144, 145, which will ope-rate, in an obvious manner, to force the lower roll 145 downwardly away from the upper roll and will impart limited rocking movement to the shaft 62 which will Vary with the thickness of the signatures or other blanks;- which will in turn, impart oscillation to the arm 141 secured to said shaft, and through it to the push-bar andto the fork 134 secured to the upper end thereof.

The cam G on the shaft 1) is so timed with reference to the feeding of the signatures or other blanks, that the upward reciprocation of the push-bar 133' will occur simultaneously with the feeding of the signatures or other blanks from the table 41 tothe gathering chute .l and their passage between the caliper rolls 144, 145. v

Preliminary to starting a run,-the stop mechanism is adjusted so that when :a signature or other blank of normal thickness is between the caliper rolls144, 145, the ends 135 of the fork 134 will pass freely through the holes 136 in the trip lever L. Such adjustment is made by first securing the'arm 1 41 to the shaft 62 in position to effects-p1 proximate registration of said forked ends with the holes or openings 136 .with a signature between the caliper rolls; exact registration being then effected/by adjustingthe slide member 124 of the trip leverylr endwise into proper position by means of the ad usting screw 129. Exact registration having been effected, the member 124 is then secured in fixed ing-screw 127.

Having adjusted registration of the forked'ends 135 with the holes 136 in the trip-lever L, the lever 110 is turned against the force of'the spring 109 applied to the shaft 1:05 to start the :mas chine, in which position it is'secured by engagement of the projection 116 on the lever 113 with the shoulder 117- on thefin 118, op eration of the machine continuing without interruption so long asthe signatures or adjustment by the clampother blanks passing through the feed and.

caliper rolls are of normal thickness. If. however, a signature mtherthi'c-keror thinner than the normal thickness ofthe signatures enters the caliper rolls 144, 145, a-corresponding error will occur in the angular movement of the push-bar which error will be multiplied several times .at the forked ends 135. dueto the fact that=the distance between the guide studs 137 and 138 is only about onesixth of the distance between the fixed pivotstud 137 and-theexe treme upper ends of the forks 135. This departure from normal in the operation of the push-bar 113 will bringthe fork ends 135 out of register with the holes 136 in the trip-lever L so that, as said push-bar is raised by the action of the cam Gonthe driving shaft D, causing the fork ends- 135 to strike theunder side ofsaid'trip-lever at one side or the other ofsaid holes ,136, as the defective signature is thicker-or thinner than normal, thus turning saidt'rip lever and with it the shaft 114 pivotallytr). tlis the push-bar to effect engage the projection 116 from the shoulder 117, thereby releasing the shaft 105 and permitting it to turn under the tension of the spring 109 to shift the driving belt from the tight pulley to the loose pulley and stop the machine in the manner contemplated, before the defective signature is delivered into the gathering chute J, thus permitting it to be removed and replaced by a perfect signature.

In accordance with my invention, also, the stop mechanism is adapted to be tripped manually by means of a hand lever 14:? formed on the trip arm 113.

In accordance with usual practice, my improved machine also preferably comprises racks or boxes M secured to the front of the machine, which are adapted to contain a supply of signatures or other blanks such as the unit to which they are secured, respectively, is adapted to handle. Also, my improved machine comprises a shelf N secured to the tops of the upward extension 77 of the brackets 73, said shelf forming a convenient support where defective signatures and other blanks may be deposited when removed from the machine.

While I have herein described my inven tion and improvement as embodying in a machine having a continuous frame, my invention, in accordance with familiar practice, contemplates equally, constructing the machine in separate sections, the driving shaft of one of which is driven from the driving shaft of the other by means of a cross shaft connected to the sections of the driving shaft by mitre gears. The advan tage of the double section construction is that it renders the machine more compact and the different units thereof more readily accessible to the operator. The construction of the machine in separate sections will also necessitate the use of a gathering apparatus comprising a chain belt which turns about a vertical aXis instead of about a horizontal axis, as herein shown. The use of gathering belts of this type is old and well known and can readily be provided by mechanics skilled in the art without a description thereof in detail.

I claim:

1. In blank separating,mechanism, the combination of a pack-box adapted to contain blanks, a grid supported beneath said pack-box so as to be movable endwise on which the pack of blanks contained in the pack-box is supported, said grid comprising a frame slidably fitted to bearings in the machine frame, and anti-friction rollers rotatably mounted on said frame on which the pack of blanks rests directly, said grid being constructed and said anti-friction rollers arranged to provide an unobstructed space intermediate the ends of said grid for the withdrawal therethrough of the bottom blank of the pack contained in said packboX, a suction head mounted beneath said pack-box so as to admit of simultaneous reciprocating and oscillating movement, means for imparting reciprocating and oscillating movement thereto, means for imparting reciprocating movement to said grid coincident with that of said suction head, said suction head comprising a cylindrical surface and being so positioned that said cylindrical surface will contact with the bottom blank of the pack contained in said pack-box through the space formed in the grid. for the withdrawal of the blanks from the pack-box, said suction head being provided with a chamber and with perforations in its cylindrical surface which communicate with said chamber, and suction means applied to said suction head, the relation being such that the perforations in the cylindrical surfaces of said suction head will engage the bottom blank of the pack contained in the pack-box adjacent to its front edge when said head is at the forward limit of its movement, substantially as described.

2. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, which comprises means for breaking the suction applied to the suction head at the rearward limit of its movement, substantially as described.

3. A blank separating mechanism as specitied in claim 1, in which the supporting means for the suction head comprises a shaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bear-- ings formed in the machine frame in which said shaft is rotatably mounted.

4. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the supporting means for the suction head comprises a shaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bear, ings formed in the machine frame in which said shaft is rotatably mounted and the blank supporting grid is reciprocated by direct connection with the journal boxes in which the suction head supporting shaft mounted.

A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the supporting means for the suction head comprises a shaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bean ings formed in the machine frame in which said shaft is rotatably mounted and the blank supporting grid is reciprocated by direct connection with the journal boxes in which the suction head supporting shaft is mounted, consisting of extensions of the journal boxes for the suction head supporting shaft which engage notches formed in members of the grid frame.

. 6. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the means for oscillating the suction head comprises gears reac es connected thereto soastorotate therewith,

and rack bars secured to the machine frame with which said gears intermesh.

7. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the supporting means for the suction head comprises ashaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bearings formed in the machine frame, and the means for oscillating said suction head coinprises gears secured to said-shaft and rack bars secured to the machine frame with which said gears intermesh.

'8. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the supporting means for the suction head comprises a shaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bearings formed in the machine frame, in which said shaft is rotatably mounted, said suction head supporting shaft being hollow,and the suction means comprises an air exhauster, connection between said exhauster and the bore of said suction head supporting shaft constructed and arranged to permit reciprocating and oscillating movement of said shaft, and connection between the bore of said shaft and the chamber of said suction head.

9. A blank separating mechanism as specitied in claim 1, in which the supporting IHQRDSfOl' the suction head comprises a shaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bearings formed in the machine frame, in which said shaft is rotatably mounted, said suction head supporting shaft being hollow, and the suction means comprises an air X- hauster, connection between said exhauster and the bore of said suction head supporting shaft constructed and arranged to permit reciprocating and oscillating movement of said shaft, and connection between the bore of said shaft and the chamber of said ill suction head, the connectionbetween the air e-Xhauster and the bore of the suction head supporting shaft comprise a fitting mounted to turn on said shaft, said fitting being provided with a chamber which is in open coininunication with the shaft bearing therein, and with a vent opening and said shaft being provided with a hole adapted to be brought alternately into communication with the chamber and vent opening in said itting by relative rotation of said shaft and fitting produced by the reciprocating and oscillating movement of said shaft, a pipe which connects said fittingwith the suction end of the eXhauster, said pipe having flexible connection with said 'exhauster, and comprising separate sections which have telescoping connection with each other, the relation being such that the hole in said shaft will be in communication with the chamber in said fitting throughout substantially its entire stroke, but will pass out of communication therewith and into com munication with the vent opening in said fitting when the suction head is atthe rearward limit of its movement. i

10. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the supporting means for the suction head comprises a shaft to which said suction head is secured, and journal boxes slidably fitted to slide bearings formed in themachine frame, in which said shaft-is rotatably mounted, said suction headsupporting shaft being hollow, and the suction means comprises an air exhauster, connection between said exhauster and the bore of-said suction head supporting shaft constructed and arranged to permit reciprocating and oscillating movement of said shaft, and connection betwee-n the bore of said shaft and the chamber of said suction head, the connection between the air exhauster and the bore of thesuction'hea'd supporting shaft comprise a fitting mounted'to turn on said shaft, said fitting being :provided with a chamber which isin open comnninication with the shaft bearing therein, and with a vent opening and said shaft being provided with a hole adaptedto be brought alternately into coinmui'iication with the chamber and vent opening in said fitting by relative rotation of said shaft and fitting produced by the reciprocating and oscillating movement of saidshaft,a pipe which connects said fitting with the suction end of the exhauster, said pipe having fiexible connection with said exhauster, and comprising separate sections which have telescoping connection with each. other, the relation being such that the hole in said shaft will be lliCOlDlIlUiilCZl-liiOIl with the chamber in said fit-ting throughout substantially its entire stroke, but will pass'out of communication therewith and into communication with the vent opening in said fitting when'the suction head is at the rearward limit of its movement, the suction connections to the hollow suction head supporting shaft beingpositioned beyond the end ofthe frame of the machine.

11. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, which comprises a plurality of suction heads, and the means for supporting said suction heads comprises a hollow shaft to which said suction heads are secured and journal boxes s'lida bly fitted to slide bearings formed in the machine frame in which said shaft is 'rotatably mounted, one ofsaid suction heads b-eing'secured to said shaft in fixed position, said fixed head and shaft being provided with registering holes which connect the bore of said shaft with the suction chamber of said head, said suction heads also comprising a head which is adjustable towards and from said fixed head, and flexible pipe connections between the suction chambers of said adjustable head and the suction chamber of said fixed head, and in which also the suction means are connected directly to the bore of the suction head supporting shaft.

1:2. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack supporting grid comprises side frame members and transverse members which rigidly connect said side members, transverse shafts fitted to holes formed in the side members of the grid frame, the ends of which project through and beyond said side frame members, anti-friction rollers mounted on the projecting ends of said shafts adapted to run in bearing grooves formed in the machine frame, and rollers rotatably mounted on said transverse shafts between the side frame members of said grid on which the pack of blanks contained in the pack-boX of the aj'iparatus rest directly.

13. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack supporting grid comprises side frame members and transverse members which rigidly connect said side members, transverse shafts fitted to holes formed in the side members of the grid frame, the ends of which project through and beyond said side frame members, anti-friction rollers mounted on the projecting ends of said shafts adapted to run in bearing grooves formed in the machine frame, and rollers rotatably mounted on said transverse shafts between the side frame members of said grid on which the pack of blanks contained in the pack-box of the apparatus rest directly, said anti-friction rollers comprising a plurality of rollers on each transverse shaft, corresponding rollers on each shaft being arranged in series lengthwise of the grid, and the frame of the machine comprises stripper bars which extend parallel with the side members of the grid frame and are arranged between different series of anti-friction rollers, said stripper bars being rigidly secured to the transverse members which connect the side frame members of the grid and being provided with holes through which the transverse shafts of said grid extend, said intermediate bars comprising front and rear bars proportioned and positioned so that their adjacent ends will terminate short of each other, the relation being such that the space between their adjacent ends will be coincident -with the space in said grid through which the blanks are withdrawn from the pack-box in the operation of the machine.

14. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack-box consists of four angle bars supported in upright position on. the machine frame.

15. A blank separating mechanism as V specified in claim 1., in which. the pack-box consists of four angle bars adjustably supported in upright position to provide for varying the size of said pack-box.

16. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack-box consists of four angle bars adjustably supported in upright position to provide for varying the size of said pack-box, and to ca use the suction head to engage the blanks contained in said pack-pox at a different distance from their front edges.

17. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack-box consists of four angle bars supported in upright position on the machine frame, the means for supporting said angle bars con'iprising lugs thereon, bars secured to the machine frame provided with T-slots and clamping screws the heads of which engage said T- slots and which extend through holes formed in the lugs on said angle bars.

18. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack-box consists of four angle bars supported in upright position on the machine frame, the means for supporting said angle bars comprising lugs thereon, bars secured to the machine frame provided with T-slots and clamping screws the heads of which engage said T- slots and which extend through holes formed in the lugs on said angle bars, and the bars in which said T-slots are formed are secured to plates adapted to be clamped to the machine frame by screws inserted through slots formed in said plates and which have screw threaded engagement with holes formed in the machine frame.

19. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the pack-box consists of four angle bars supported in upright position on the machine frame, the means for supporting said angle bars comprising lugs thereon, bars secured to the machine frame provided with T-slots and clamping screws the heads of which engage said T-slots and which extend through holes formed in the lugs on said angle bars, and the bars in which said T-slots are formed are secured to plates adapted to be clamped to the machine frame by screws inserted through slots formed in said plates and which have screw threaded engagement with holes formed in the machine frame, the clamping scrmvs which secure the rear angle bars of the packbox in position being interchangeable in a plurality of holes in the machine frame positioned at different distances from the front side of the back-box.

' 20. A blank separating mechanism as specified in claim 1, in which the means for imparting reciprocating movement to the suction head is constructed and arranged to retard and accelerate their rate of move ment from frontward to rearward positions 

